“NOAA has made the right decision at the right time,” said Fidelia Andy, chairwoman of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Yakama Nation tribal member. “The salmon need relief and the public deserves remedy to this serious problem. We recognize the strong sentiment and emotions on all sides of this matter. We ask for the public’s patience and support, while management activities proceed.”

The decision concludes a 19-month Marine Mammal Protection Act Section 120 process that included diverse stakeholder participation and public comment opportunities. The process was initiated by an application from the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

“The tribes are pleased to see an effective management tool added to solve this very complex problem” said Olney Patt, Jr. CRITFC’s executive director. “NOAA has laid out very clear criteria. Our desire is to maximize the benefits to endangered salmon while minimizing the impacts to the overall sea lion population.”

Endangered salmon seeking entrance to fish ladders have become vulnerable to a growing and aggressive subpopulation of California sea lions. For several years tribal and state crews have tried, with minimal success, to divert sea lions from sensitive areas around Bonneville dam.

NOAA’s decision is available, in its entirety, on their website at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Seals-and-Sea-Lions/Sec-120-Authority.cfm